The Highland Railway P class was a group of five steam locomotives built in 1891 and 1893 by Dübs and Company of Glasgow.
History In 1891 Dübs and Company of Glasgow completed two locomotives. They were part of an order for five for the Uruguay Eastern Railway, but due to financial problems the order was cancelled and the engines were offered for sale.
The locomotives were purchased by the Highland Railway in 1892, where they were numbered 101 and 102. Although their cowcatchers and large headlights were removed before entering service, they retained a somewhat American appearance quite unlike other HR designs of the period, lacking the classic Allan framing and sweep of plating from the widest part of the smokebox to the cylinders. They were nicknamed Yankees, although the official designation from 1901 was 'P' Class.
Three further locomotives were delivered by Dübs in 1893, possibly comprising the balance of the Uruguay order. These had standard Highland Railway fittings but were otherwise identical to the first two. They were originally numbered 11, 14 and 15, but were renumbered 51, 50 and 52 in 1899–1900, and 50 was again renumbered to 54 in 1901.
Dimensions The locomotives had driving wheels and outside cylinders. Boiler pressure was and weight in working order was .
Use They were used on branch line services, including those to Burghead, Fortrose, Portessie and Aberfeldy. One (no. 52) was used on the Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway while that line was leased to the Highland.
Transfer to LMS In 1923 they passed to the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) and became LMS 15013–15017. They were withdrawn between 1924 and 1934.
Numbering + Table of locomotives HR No. Date new LMS No. Withdrawn Notes 101 15013 1934 102 15014 1934 Named Munlochy in 1910; name later removed 11 15015 1924 Renumbered 51 in 1899, 51A in 1919, 51B in 1919. Withdrawn before LMS number applied 14 15017 1924 Named Portessie in 1901; name later removed. Renumbered 50 in 1900, 54 in 1901, 54B in 1921. 15 15016 1927 Named Fortrose in 1901; name later removed. Renumbered 52 in 1900, 52A in 1919, 52B in 1921.
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